How do I know the image stablization working or not

I just got my epl3 today. I suspect the IS is not working. First, there is no sound nor any mecanical movement can be felt when the IS is turn on. Second, when I frame the picture, I can not feel any difference in camera shake between IS on and off. Third, I took several pictures with IS on and off. I am not sure there is a significant difference. My question is, is there a way to confirm whether the IS is working or not? Thank you very much for your help.

I shot 10 pictures at f4 and 1/20. Not only there is no significant difference in successful rate. The sharpest image is taken when the IS is off. If there is no audible sound, should I at least feel the mechenical movement while the IS is working?

I shot 10 pictures at f4 and 1/20. Not only there is no significant difference in successful rate. The sharpest image is taken when the IS is off. If there is no audible sound, should I at least feel the mechenical movement while the IS is working?

I shot 10 pictures at f4 and 1/20. Not only there is no significant difference in successful rate. The sharpest image is taken when the IS is off. If there is no audible sound, should I at least feel the mechenical movement while the IS is working?

And should IS working when I half press the shutter?

Thanks.

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You could have faulty IBIS. Check if your E-PL3 has the latest firmware. That might help if the IBIS is spotty.

I just got my epl3 today. I suspect the IS is not working. First, there is no sound nor any mecanical movement can be felt when the IS is turn on. Second, when I frame the picture, I can not feel any difference in camera shake between IS on and off. Third, I took several pictures with IS on and off. I am not sure there is a significant difference. My question is, is there a way to confirm whether the IS is working or not? Thank you very much for your help.

Jack

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Try setting anti-shock at 1/8s. It helps with E-PM1 which has faulty IBIS. It seems to me that IBIS induces shutter vibration on these little bodies. Oly redesigned the shutter for E-PL5/E-PM2 so it works as it should.

Try setting anti-shock at 1/8s. It helps with E-PM1 which has faulty IBIS. It seems to me that IBIS induces shutter vibration on these little bodies. Oly redesigned the shutter for E-PL5/E-PM2 so it works as it should.

^ Unfortunately not. The E-M5 is the only current Olympus that can activate the IS prior to the shutter release.

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Welll, to be picky... the only Olympus MICRO FOUR-THIRDS body. All the Olympus DSLRs with IS had allowed you to preview the IS for up to 5 seconds in Live View.

But back on topic... I just test my IS using a series of about 10 shots shot at no more than 1/10s hand-held for around 50mm. For a longer focal length that figure can be faster but for a shorter focal length it must be even slower. IS on and IS off, same lens, same distance, MANUAL FOCUS, hand-held. Make sure you're not on a tripod. The more shots you take, the more accurate your results. Just like if you flip a coin 100 times, you're guaranteed to get 50% heads and 50% tails. If you flip it two or three times then your results could be anything, including all heads or all tails. So if you want to be sure of your results, just shoot more test shots but don't change anything, especially focus and shutter speed.

PS, the only way you will know IS is working is by results. There is no physical indication of its working, such as noise or feel. At least not with the old IS system present in your E-PL3.

Thanks for all of your inputs. I shoot canon exclusively by today. It actually surprise me that the IS of epl3 is not engaged while focusing and framing. I will do more test and see what happen. Thank you all very much.

there is no sound nor any mecanical movement can be felt when the IS is turn on.
...
I can not feel any difference in camera shake between IS on and off.
...
My question is, is there a way to confirm whether the IS is working or not?

Click to expand...

Because it's just the sensor moving, you won't feel anything. It's not like the old days when IS meant large, heavy gyroscopes. Regarding hearing noise, you MIGHT hear something during a longer exposure, but I never have (excluding the OM-D, but its IS is different)..

If you had a manual focus lens you can choose the wrong focal length by an extreme amount. If all you have are electronic micro four thirds lenses, try with longer shutter speeds.

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